Retreat with us and be spiritually renewed
Spiritual Retreats at Minsteracres
Situated in the land of the northern saints in beautiful countryside on the borders of Northumberland and County Durham, our Passionist retreat centre is ideally placed to support you on your journey of faith.
2026 Programme
We offer a varied programme of day, weekend and week-long events throughout the year. Please see the programme details below.
Individual Retreats
We offer individual retreats and are happy to provide guidance, or you can have space to yourself for reflection. Please use the enquiry form below.
Our 2026 Programme
Welcome to our Retreat Programme for 2026 where you will find details of various residential and day retreats we have on offer in the coming months.
Welcoming guests of all faiths and none, this Passionist retreat centre is set in 110 acres of gardens, park and woodland and is situated in beautiful countryside on the border of Northumberland and County Durham
Founded in Italy in 1720 by St Paul of the Cross, the Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ “The Passionists” have a special ministry to promote the Memory of the Passion of Jesus by both word and deed for the Passion of Jesus is truly the greatest story of God’s love for humanity and His creation.
We hope that this programme will be able to offer ways in which we can all connect with the consoling power of the Passion of Jesus as we journey together in exploration of what St Paul of the Cross describes as both a sea of sorrows and an ocean of love.
Minsteracres’ mission
Minsteracres Retreat Centre provides a space where people feel welcome, can be themselves and are enabled to find healing and wholeness in their relationship with God, with themselves, with others and with creation. During all of our retreats we will be invited to consider new ways of attending to and living out the Gospel. We look forward to welcoming you!
It costs approximately £1,500 per day to run Minsteracres Retreat Centre. The suggested offerings indicated help us to cover our costs, but no one should feel excluded for financial reasons and concessions are available.
We look forward to welcoming you.
The suggested offerings indicated for each event help us to cover our costs. However, no one should feel excluded for financial reasons and concessions are available through our Bursary programme.
Calendar for 2026
Below, you’ll find a comprehensive calendar displaying all of our retreats. Each listing is clickable, allowing you to explore detailed information about the retreat you’re interested in. This includes specific features, schedules, and available amenities.
Additionally, you can conveniently book your chosen retreat online directly from this calendar. We’ve designed it to be user-friendly and informative, ensuring you have all the necessary details at your fingertips to make an informed decision.
February
Quiet Day of Reflection during Lent
Led by Chris Smith
Tuesday 24th February from 10am to 4pm
Take a step back from the busyness of daily life and immerse yourself in a space of quiet reflection. At Minsteracres, you’ll have the chance to pause, breathe deeply and open your heart to God’s presence. Through engaging with scripture, you can listen for His voice and allow His guidance to speak to you.
Surrounded by the peace and beauty of our grounds, this retreat provides a serene environment to refresh your spirit, find stillness and deepen your faith. Lunch and refreshments are included.
Suggested Donation £45
March
Quiet Day of Reflection during Lent
Led by Minsteracres Team
Wednesday 11th March from 10am to 4pm
Take a step back from the busyness of daily life and immerse yourself in a space of quiet reflection. At Minsteracres, you’ll have the chance to pause, breathe deeply and open your heart to God’s presence. Through engaging with scripture, you can listen for His voice and allow His guidance to speak to you.
Surrounded by the peace and beauty of our grounds, this retreat provides a serene environment to refresh your spirit, find stillness and deepen your faith. Lunch and refreshments are included.
Suggested Donation £45
Quiet Day of Reflection During Lent
Led by Sr Sheila McNamara
Tuesday 24th March from 10am to 4pm
This Lent, take a step back from the busyness of life and come to the quiet at Minsteracres where you can immerse yourself in stillness, the beauty of creation and a space to breathe deeply.
This Quiet Day will offer the opportunity to reflect on the Passion of Jesus through, Scripture, music, poetry, silence and images. Come and let the environment of Minsteracres speak to your soul this Lent. Lunch and refreshments are included.
Suggested Donation £45
April
Holy Week Retreat
Led by the Minsteracres Team
Thursday 2nd April from 6.30pm to Sunday 5th April at 2pm
With the Easter Triduum the Minsteracres community journeys from the beauty of the celebration of the Last Supper, through the agony of the Crucifixion and then to the joy of the Resurrection.
Join us as we accompany Jesus on the way of the cross and to His
Resurrection.
Suggested Donation £305
Holistic Wellbeing Retreat
Terry Doyle & Lana Kennedy
Saturday 18th April from 10am to 4pm
The Day Retreat will incorporate easy to learn holistic practices drawn both from ancient wisdom and current scientific research.
From Acupressure Massage to Tai Chi, Pilates to Mindfulness and Yoga, Terry and Lana will share their expertise to create a safe space to learn how to let go and relax more deeply and to learn ways of self-care for more sustained emotional and physical health and resilience.
Suggested Donation £45
Walking Retreat - Landscape Liturgies
Led Rev. Diana Johnson
Saturday 25th April from 10am to 5pm
Step away from the rush of the world and join us for a guided walk, spanning between seven and ten miles.
Along the path, there will be intentional moments of stillness to listen to the whispers of creation and shared opportunities to connect with fellow walkers in a spirit of fellowship.
To ensure your comfort throughout this retreat, please wear sturdy, suitable footwear and bring warm, weatherproof layers to adapt to the changing northern elements. Remember to pack a lunch to enjoy during our midday pause in the heart of the countryside. Leave the noise behind and find your pace in the beauty of the wild.
Suggested Donation £15
May
Fire to the Earth!
Led by Fr Eamonn Mulcahy
Friday 1st May from 6.30pm to Sunday 3rd May at 2pm
Rediscovering the Surprising Freshness of Jesus through his Parables
Jesus’ parables were never meant to be comfortable; they were startling stories designed to unsettle and transform. In this retreat, we prayerfully explore these “life-changing questions” hidden within the Gospels.
By engaging with Jesus’ original language and imagery, we invite a fresh encounter with God’s Love—uncovering insights that challenge our modern perspectives.
About the Leader The retreat is led by Fr Eamonn Mulcahy CSSp, a Spiritan priest with over 40 years of missionary and academic experience. Having served across Africa and the UK, Fr Eamonn has spent decades lecturing in Systematic Theology and leading international retreats.
Join us for a powerful journey into the heart of our faith through the prism of these timeless stories. on the issues of our times.
Suggested Donation £220
A Circle of Prayer / Circle Dance
Led by Joyce McAndrew
Saturday 9th May from 10am to 4pm
This is an inviting programme which explores the beauty of music whilst incorporating responsive movement echoing both feelings and mood as non-verbal self-expression which touches both the soul and the imagination.
Throughout this retreat, you will have an opportunity to learn both traditional and contemporary dance movement. Continuous sequences will follow a meditative and contemplative pattern and will be punctuated with reflective readings.
Lunch and refreshments are included.
Suggested Donation £45
Day of Consolation
Led by Chris Smith
Wednesday 20th May from 10am to 4pm
An opportunity to join us on this poignant retreat day for people who have experienced bereavement, grief, loss or significant change.
This day will offer them an opportunity to share a safe space, to be heard, to share with others who have had similar experiences and hopefully to find courage, hope and consolation.
Lunch and refreshments are included.
Suggested Donation £45
Pentecost Retreat
Led by Fr Chris Thomas
Friday 22nd May from 6.30pm to Sunday 24th May at 2pm
In this Pentecost retreat, we will reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit in the Gospel and pray for the gifts of the Spirit to flourish in our lives, that we may learn how to act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with our God.
There will be times of input, times of silence and times of prayer and praise to help us open ourselves more fully to God.
Suggested Donation £230
June
3 Day Walking Retreat
Led by the Minsteracres Team
Tuesday 2nd June from 10am to Thursday 4th June at 5pm
Spend three days exploring the beautiful countryside around Minsteracres with daily walks of 7 to 10 miles. Each morning begins with a short reflection, offering time for prayer and a chance to connect with the beauty of creation.
These walks provide a blend of physical activity, spiritual renewal and peaceful immersion in nature.
Be sure to bring sturdy footwear and weatherproof clothing to stay
comfortable. This retreat is ideal for those looking to refresh their spirit and enjoy the tranquility of the outdoors.
Suggested Donation £250
Soul Nurturing - Northumbrian Gardens
Led by Jan Loughran
Tuesday 2nd June from 9.30am to Friday 5th June at 10am
Gardens are a “delight to the eye and solace for the soul” and for three days we invite you to step into the beauty of the Northumbrian
landscapes that inspired the great Capability Brown and nurture your soul in some of the beautiful gardens that grace this spectacular part of the England.
Suggested Donation £575
Quiet Day
Led by the Minsteracres Team
Thursday 11th June from 10am to 4pm
Take a step back from the busyness of life and join us for a day dedicated
to spiritual reflection and renewal. This is an opportunity to pause, listen
to God’s word in scripture and embrace the peace and stillness of the
beautiful countryside.
Throughout the day, you’ll have space for quiet contemplation, personal prayer and time to connect with God in a meaningful way. The serene environment provides the perfect backdrop for rest and renewal, allowing you to leave feeling refreshed and spiritually uplifted.
Lunch and refreshments are included.
Suggested Donation £45
July
On a Journey with the Northern Saints
Led by John McManners
Monday 6th July from 6.30pm to Friday 10th July at 2pm
Based at Minsteracres Retreat house near the Durham Dales, this
pilgrimage explores the sacred heart of the North. Our community gathers daily for Mass, evening prayer, and shared meals, fostering deep spiritual fellowship.
By coach, we visit iconic sites including Lindisfarne, Durham Cathedral, Jarrow, and Hexham Abbey. Expertly guided by Rev’d John and
Gina McManners, the journey is enriched by John’s nightly talks on the “Northern Saints”—including Cuthbert, Aidan, and Bede.
With over 30 years of experience, our leaders provide historical context and companionship throughout the week. Whether enjoying optional guided walks or coastal scenery, you are invited to retrace the footsteps of these extraordinary saints in a prayerful, welcoming environment.
Suggested Donation £500
Eucharistic Retreat
Led by Mary Robinson
Friday 17th July from 6.30pm to Sunday 19th July at 2pm
The Eucharist is the heart of our faith, far more than a weekly obligation. This retreat invites you to deepen your prayer life and understanding of the Real Presence of Christ through the lenses of theology and art.
Led by an experienced Theology graduate and long-time educator, the weekend explores the significance of the Mass as sacrifice and historical Eucharistic miracles, including the work of St. Carlo Acutis. Participants will engage in:
Theological Insight: Exploring Adoration and the crucifixion through art.
Prayer in Action: Daily Mass and dedicated periods of Adoration.
Expert Guidance: Facilitated by a leader with a rich history of leading acclaimed retreats across the UK.
Join us to rediscover the universal beauty of the Blessed Sacrament.
Suggested Donation £220
Soul Nurturing - The Cultural Gems of Northumbria
Jan Loughran
Tuesday 21st July from 9.30am to Friday 24th July at 10am
Picasso observed that “art washes away from the soul the dust of
everyday life.” This retreat invites you to renew your spirit by exploring the cultural and architectural treasures of the Northumbrian landscape.
From our base at Minsteracres, we will visit a curated selection of masterpieces, including:
Architecture & Art: The Pugin masterpiece at Ushaw Historic House, the Spanish Gallery at Auckland Palace, and the majestic Durham Cathedral.
Landscapes: The birthplace of Capability Brown at Kirkharle and his
gardens at Wallington Hall.
History: Raby Castle, the Bowes Museum, and the ruins of Egglestone
Abbey that once inspired Turner.
Your guide, Jan Loughran, a passionate local expert, provides native insights into the region’s art and gardens. Each day begins with optional meditation or Mass and concludes with dinner and an after-dinner talk.
Suggested Donation £575
Quiet Day
Led by the Minsteracres Team
Monday 27th July from 10am to 4pm
Take a step back from the busyness of life and join us for a day dedicated to spiritual reflection and renewal. This is an opportunity to pause, listen to God’s word in scripture and embrace the peace and stillness of the beautiful countryside.
Throughout the day, you’ll have space for quiet contemplation, personal prayer and time to connect with God in a meaningful way. The serene environment provides the perfect backdrop for rest and renewal, allowing you to leave feeling refreshed and spiritually uplifted.
Lunch and refreshments are included.
Suggested Donation £45
August
Rosary Rally
Led by the Minsteracres Team
Saturday 15th August from 12 noon to 3pm
A wonderful opportunity to gather in honour of Mary, Mother of God in this very prayerful and sociable day, which also provides the opportunity to take in the peace and ambience of Minsteracres.
Please bring a packed lunch. The day will commence with the celebration of Mass at 12 noon followed by the Rosary rally and Benediction from 2pm.
September
Quiet Day
Led by the Minsteracres Team
Wednesday 2nd September from 10am to 4pm
Join us for a day of spiritual reflection and renewal in the peaceful countryside. This retreat offers time for personal prayer, contemplation and connection with God.
Enjoy the serene environment, with lunch, tea and coffee provided, ensuring a relaxing experience. Whether seeking clarity, peace or a faith reconnection, this day offers gentle nourishment for the soul.
Lunch and refreshments are included.
Suggested Donation £45
6 Day Individually Guided Retreat
Led by ISC Glasgow at Minsteracres
Friday 4th Sept from 6.30pm to Friday 11th Sept at 10am
This silent retreat offers a unique opportunity for personal reflection and spiritual growth.
Guided by members of the Ignatian Spirituality Centre in Glasgow, in partnership with the Minsteracres team, you’ll receive individual support
to deepen your connection with God in a peaceful and contemplative
environment.
Suggested Donation £735
Walking Retreat
Led by the Minsteracres Team
Wednesday 16th September from 10am to 5pm
Join us for a refreshing 7 to 10-mile walk through the stunning countryside surrounding Minsteracres. Along the way, take time for prayer, quiet reflection and sharing in the beauty of creation.
Please bring suitable footwear, warm and weatherproof clothing and a packed lunch.
Suggested Donation £15
The Embodied Contemplative
Led by Terry Doyle
Friday 18th September to Sunday 20th of September
This retreat will explore how we might find inner stillness and peace through the practice of Christian Meditation, gentle Tai Chi movement and breath work. It is suitable for all ages and abilities.
Come with a beginner’s mind and enjoy learning!
Suggested Donation £230
October
Quiet Day
Led by the Minsteracres Team
Thursday 29th October from 10am to 4pm
Join us for a day of spiritual reflection and renewal in the peaceful countryside. This retreat offers time for personal prayer, contemplation and connection with God.
Enjoy the serene environment, with lunch, tea and coffee provided, ensuring a relaxing experience. Whether seeking clarity, peace or a faith reconnection, this day offers gentle nourishment for the soul.
Lunch and refreshments are included.
Suggested Donation £45
A Circle of Prayer / Circle Dance
Led by Joyce McAndrew
Saturday 31st October from 10am to 4pm
This is an inviting programme which explores the beauty of music whilst incorporating responsive movement echoing both feelings and mood as non-verbal self-expression. It touches both the soul and the imagination.
Throughout this retreat, you will have an opportunity to learn both traditional and contemporary dance movement. Continuous sequences will follow a meditative and contemplative pattern and will be punctuated with reflective readings.
Lunch and refreshments are included.
Suggested Donation £45
November
Day of Consolation
Led by Chris Smith
Tuesday 10th November from 10am to 4pm
An opportunity to join us on this poignant retreat day for people who have experienced bereavement, grief loss or significant change.
This day will offer them an opportunity to share a safe space, to be heard, to share with others who have had similar experiences and to hopefully find courage, hope and consolation.
Lunch and refreshments are included.
Suggested Donation £45
My Vocation is Love.
Led by Gillian Coxhead
Friday 13th November to Sunday 15th November
A retreat with Saint Therese of Lisieux who discovered in the cloistered walls of Carmel her true vocation, to ‘be love.’
Indeed, she declared, ‘in the heart of the church I will be love.’
Through a series of talks, times of prayer and silence, we will follow her ‘Little Way’ of trust and absolute surrender to Jesus.
Through the eyes of Saint Therese, we will discover the beauty and riches of Carmelite Spirituality.
Suggested Donation £220
For the Beauty of the Earth - Taizé Retreat
Camille Mazarelo & Minnie Fraser
Wednesday 25th November from 10am to 4pm
Taize music reflects simplicity, ecumenism and love. It is easy and
accessible to all comers, whether used to singing or not.
This day we will celebrate all aspects of creation in prayer, meditation and song and look at our role in sustaining this precious gift.
Choral groups will find an opportunity to bond and develop, surrounded by the peace and beauty of Minsteracres.
Lunch and refreshments included.
Suggested Donation £45
Soul Nurturing – Preparing for Christmas
Led by Jan Loughran
Thursday 26th November from 9.30am to Sunday 29th November at 2pm
Advent is a time of waiting, expectation and preparation. Our weekend offers space to focus on Advent’s hope with twinkling Christmas trees, Durham Cathedral’s awe-inspiring Advent Processional Service, joyful carolling, Christmas crafting and the warmth of a Minsteracres welcome.
We’ll visit Ushaw Historic House in their Christmas finery, attend Corbridge Christmas Tree Festival, hear local choirs and experience the Advent Processional Service at Durham Cathedral. We’ll make wreaths and natural decorations while enjoying space from the season’s busyness.
Days include optional mass or meditation, breakfast and dinner. Friday and Saturday we’ll explore Northumbria. Sunday brings Christmas creativity before lunch and departure.
Led by Jan Loughran—conductor of St Peters Choir, passionate Northumbrian and lover of Advent music and floristry—she’ll share the simple joys of this special season.
Suggested Donation £375
Disclaimer: Please note that for each of our retreats to take place we need a minimum number of attendees to make them viable. The running of all retreats is subject to achieving this minimum. We endeavour to do everything we can that is within our control to ensure that retreats run, but when we are unable to achieve these numbers, we may have to cancel. We will of course give notice in such circumstances
Have you ever wondered what it is like to go on retreat?
Retreat Questions
A retreat is exactly what it sounds like — the chance to step aside from life for a while, to rest and just ‘be’ in a welcoming, peaceful and inspiring place like Minsteracres.
Retreats are for ordinary people at any time in their lives. There are no expectations on anyone going on retreat and you don’t need to be a churchgoer – we welcome people who share our values.
Do you:
- Wish for some quiet time to reflect on things that matter most to you?
- Need some time away from work or family?
- Want to deepen your spiritual life?
- Want to simply pray?
- Want to develop a particular interest? …then a retreat might be just for you.
Retreats offer the opportunity to:
- Find space
- Reflect
- Pray and worship in peaceful and comfortable surroundings
We offer a wide variety of retreats including retreats:
- For the beginner
- With a theme such as Holy Week, Pentecost, Advent,
- Structured with a programme
- For individuals or groups who wish to deepen their faith
- Free form where you can do your own thing
Thanks to the presence of the resident community there is always a warm welcome and a real sense of being a guest in their home. The community is the guardian of the Passionist ethos of Minsteracres, which is expressed through a life of prayer, presence and hospitality.
- We offer a warm welcome to all
- We have beautiful Grade II buildings set in an 110 acre estate of gardens and woodland
- We have a wide range of meeting rooms from small (up to 10 people) to large (up to 90 people)
- We have a library, various prayer spaces and an art room that are available to use
- We offer overnight accommodation—from simple rooms with shared facilities to a few en suite rooms
- We provide tasty, home-cooked food and can accommodate special dietary needs with advanced warning
- We cater for those with disabilities
Yes, we welcome people who wish to spend some time alone.
Yes, we offer the opportunity to talk to someone in complete confidence. We can also provide individually guided retreats where someone is assigned to listen and guide you whilst on retreat.
A retreat varies in length but is usually anything from two to seven days. We also offer one-day retreats such as quiet days and walking retreats throughout the year.
Yes. It costs over £1,000 per day to keep Minsteracres Retreat Centre running. We do not have another principal source of income and so we charge our visitors a competitive rate to cover our costs (but not to profit) that include:
- Maintaining the Grade II buildings and 110 acre estate
- Providing food and accommodation for all our visitors
- Paying for staff and retreat leaders